Euro Focus - 18 days from $4225

Begin with the spectacle of London and romance of Paris. Experience the contrast of oom-pah bands in Munich and Michelangelo in Florence. Take in the Austrian Alps and the ancient ruins of Rome. Focus on the excitement and magic of Europe.

Optional Activities & Excursions Offered on Your Trip.

Have it your way and personalize your trip by adding fun, optional activities. These activities are not included in your land package price to allow free time for those who want to explore on their own. Rates have been specially negotiated with the suppliers and will include transportation to and from the event, where applicable. All options are based on a minimum number of travelers participating. Rates listed are approximate rates in US$ and are subject to change. Contact your tour director upon arrival overseas to book and pay for your options. Payment to tour director in cash in local currency.

All

Optional French Cabaret in Paris

$165

Since 1889 the cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge is recognized world-wide because of its famous French can-can, immortalized by artist Toulouse-Lautrec.The above cost includes transfers by taxi, metro and/or motor coach, entrance to the “Féerie” show at 11:00pm, and one glass of champagne.

Optional whitewater rafting in Austria

$54

The Enns River in Austria offers some of the country’s best whitewater rafting. All necessary gear such as wetsuit, helmet, boots and life jacket are provided. Instructions are provided by experienced rafting guides. Groups of 8-10 people per boat with their own guide on-board. Rapids, narrows, and even a small waterfall ensure excitement. The tour is tame enough to ensure fun for both experienced rafters and beginners alike. Depending on the water level, the Enns River near Schladming is a 3 or medium on the difficulty scale.The cost includes round-trip transfer, equipment and boat rental as well as a two hour ride guided by licensed rafting guides.

Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey: These familiar names become familiar places on our morning tour of London. During an afternoon at leisure, browse the many food, craft and clothing stalls at popular Camden Market, walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter at Leadenhall Market aka Diagon Alley, or take a ride on the London Eye for a birds-eye view of the city and the opportunity to take great photographs. After dusk, consider taking in some Shakespeare at the Globe Theater by the Thames River or attending a West End show.

Travel through the “Chunnel” below the English Channel to Paris. Our local historian shows us the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Tonight, dine on French specialties at our bistro dinner. Afterward, we take a romantic cruise down the river Seine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

English Channel Eurostar train

Tour of Paris guided by a local historian

See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe and more

Enjoy a free day in Paris today. Join your tour director this morning on an optional visit to a French perfumery and museum. Afterwards consider visiting the Palace of Versailles, Louis XIV’s residence. The included museum pass gives you access to the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Grand Chambers. Marvel at the sheer size of the palace, one of the most beautiful castles in the world with an astonishing 700 rooms. Later check out another one of the 70 museums and monuments included in your pass in and around Paris, such as the world famous Louvre, housing the Mona Lisa, Musée d’Orsay and Musée National Picasso. Your Paris Visite Pass will provide unlimited public transportation throughout the city. This evening you may opt to see a can-can cabaret show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Paris travel card with unlimited access to public transportation system

Paris Museum Pass

Optional activity:

Optional visit and tour of the Fragonard perfumery & museum

French cabaret show

Motor to Belgium and stop in Brussels to see the Grand Place, a perfect medieval square, and the statue of naughty Manneken Pis. Continue to Amsterdam and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Take advantage of your included Amsterdam travel card with unlimited access to local transportation.

Today, we’ll go biking through 13th-century Dutch fishing villages along the Ijssel Lake beaches, watch wooden shoes being carved and sample Edam cheese at a cheese farm. Free time this afternoon in Amsterdam will allow time to tour the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum, or visit Anne Frank’s house. This evening we invite you to a scrumptious Dutch-Indonesian rice table dinner, a specialty in Holland as Indonesia was once a Dutch colony. Afterwards we admire the Netherlands' capital gliding through some of the 165 romantic canals aboard a glass-topped canal boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Bike riding in the Dutch countryside

Visit to wooden shoe maker and Edam cheese farm

Dutch-Indonesian rice table dinner

Amsterdam canal cruise

Cross the German border into Cologne, famous for the world’s largest gothic cathedral. Embark on a cruise along the fabled Rhine River, passing steeply sloped vineyards, ancient castles, and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Continue to Heidelberg, the “City of the Student Prince” and climb to the ruins of the Castle of the Palatine Elector for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Neckar River.

Germany's Romantic Road takes us to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This medieval city is celebrated not only for its well-preserved gothic and baroque buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled picturesque setting. Enjoy lunch at a local Gasthaus before continuing our journey to the fun-filled Oktoberfest city of Munich. Tonight you'll have a free evening to check out the oompah-pah bands at the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

Drive along Germany’s Romantic Road

See Medieval Rothenburg

Gasthaus lunch

See the Oktoberfest city of Munich

This morning we visit Dachau Memorial site, established in 1965, twenty years after it was liberated by American forces. During afternoon free time, consider visiting the BMW museum, seeing the Glockenspiel Chimes at the Marienplatz, visiting the 1972 Olympic Village or shopping for Bavarian beer steins and lederhosen on Maximilianstrasse. Tonight, we’ll dine on authentic Bavarian fare.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Visit Dachau Memorial Site

See Munich's Glockenspiel chimes, Marienplatz and more

Traditional Bavarian dinner

On our journey to Austria, we stop at a salt mine and enjoy a ride down slides, dressed in miner's clothing. Afterwards we continue to the city of Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and site where the classic movie, “The Sound of Music” was filmed. Explore the narrow streets lined with colorful wrought iron signs and shops before we continue our journey to Europe’s largest alpine sports region. Be our pampered guest for two nights of fitness and fun while nestled in the snow-capped Austrian mountains.

All day today is at our leisure; go for a hike in the Alps or join the fun and excitement of whitewater rafting. A hearty Austrian dinner awaits after all of today’s activity.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

Hiking in the Austrian Alps

Alpine dinner

Optional activity:

Whitewater rafting

The picturesque landscape of the Austrian Lake District makes way for sunny Italy’s Venice—“The Sinking City in the Sea.” Our private boat takes us to Murano Island, Venice’s glassmaking center since the 13th-century, where we visit a workshop and watch famous Venetian glass being made. Back in Venice, we walk along the narrow maze of back streets and bridges that take us to St. Mark’s Square with the Campanile, Doge’s Palace and flocks of friendly pigeons. Consider a romantic gondola ride this evening gliding through the intricate maze of canals beneath arched bridges and passing by 12th and 18th-century marble palaces.

Through the fertile Po Valley we approach Florence, Golden City of the Renaissance and birthplace of Michelangelo. Our Florence art tour includes the Gates of Paradise, the marble Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and Giotto’s bell tower. Afterwards enjoy free time for shopping and museums. Tonight, enjoy our dinner of traditional Florentine fare.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

See the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Giotto's Bell Tower and more

Tour of Florence guided by a local historian

Personal audio headset

Traditional Florentine dinner

A free day to explore the Uffizi Gallery and see the collections of Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and da Vinci. The Galleria dell’Accademia houses several sculptures by Michelangelo including his famous David (advance reservation requred). Opt to join us for time under the Tuscan sun starting with a picturesque drive through the vineyards of one of the best known wine growing areas, Chianti. Our excursion includes a tour of the winery and a tasting of a selection of local wines.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Florence city sights

Optional activity:

Chianti excursion

This morning we continue our travels south to the capital of Italy. Get ready to soak up Rome's dolce vita lifestyle as we explore the city's picturesque streets and piazzas with our local historian. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum or Caesar's Roman Forum remind us of the city's golden age as the capital of the world. Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica towering over the square, and colossal cathedrals throughout the city, tells stories of its history as seat of the Catholic Church. Use your included Roma pass to visit the Colosseum (reservations required) and take advantage of the included unlimited use of public transportation

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Tour of Rome and Vatican City guided by a local historian

Personal audio headset

See Caesar's Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon and more

Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Roma pass entrance to Colosseum and Forum

Special access and discounts with 48-hour Roma pass

Unlimited access to local transportation with Roma pass

A free day in Rome may find you exploring Piazza Navona, climbing the famous Spanish Steps and tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Try numerous flavors of the fabulous gelato ice cream or find yourself window-dreaming on the Via dei Condotti, one of Rome's fashionable shopping streets. This evening, we cross the Tiber River to Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods, for our fun Italian Pizza Party. Toppings range from a simple drizzle of olive oil, rosemary and salt, to mushrooms, proscuitto ham and artichokes. Buon appetito!

The best way to see the Europe is by private deluxe motor coach. Door-to-door service with all the spectacular scenery in between. Our modern fleet of Mercedes, Volvos (or comparable) coaches for continental Europe are air- conditioned for your comfort. Enjoy deep-cushioned reclining lounge chairs, wide panoramic picture windows and a built-in stereophonic sound system. Our drivers are picked for their experience, skill, dependability and personality. Travelers to other exotic destinations enjoy modern mini vans or motor coaches for the transfers between each location while safari guests are transported in 4 x 4 land cruisers.

Many programs also include the fun of travel by ship from Italy to Greece or along the Rhine River, sleek trains or cable cars, private sailing yachts in the Greek Isles, bicycles in Holland, and jeeps in Dubai, just for the fun of it.

Special Destination Tours
The majority of transportation on other programs is also by private deluxe motor coach unless stated otherwise in the respective itinerary ( i.e.: mini vans in Costa Rica). Please see each tour page for exact details.

Luxury motor coach for European tours
Enjoy your journey with a professional driver at the wheel. Enjoy the scenery and view mountains and valleys, cities and villages through panoramic windows. Our luxury, air-conditioned motor coaches provide you with stylish and comfortable seats.

Eurostar train and high-speed intercity trains
Eurostar is the high-speed rail service directly linking the UK to France via the Channel Tunnel. It started operating in 1994, providing city center to city center services. Eurostar departs from London's St. Pancras Station. Fast journey times London-Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes. Journey from Paris to Nice on a TGV high-speed train in just over 5 hours. Enjoy air-conditioning and modern seats as you pass through the French countryside at up to 200 miles per hour. Other intercity trains in Europe travel at speeds of up to 125 mph featuring individual seating or in groups of four sharing a table.Travel by rail in Europe is efficient and fun.

Overnight cruise Italy – Greece
Greek ferries are used to travel from southern Italy to Greece. Departures are from Bari and Brindisi, Italy. Normal accommodations are 4-share on all vessels. Sea travel is fun and ships have amenities to make certain that you have a great time starting the moment you step on board including swimming pools, discos, bars and casinos.

Dubai land cruisers & coaches
Desert Safari includes off- road driving in the Dubai desert. The drivers are qualified to operate the 4x4 vehicles in the desert. These cars are air-conditioned and safety features include seat belts and roll bars. Six passengers can be carried per vehicle plus the driver. Off-road driving can be rather bumpy and is often compared to roller-coaster rides. Advise your tour director accordingly if you do not wish to participate in the dune bashing. Ground transportation for the city tour and city transfers are by luxury air-conditioned motor coach. Dinner cruise by Arabian ‘dhow.'

Central America & other exotic destinations - mini vans
Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to get around in these locations. Depending on group size, you will travel by mini-van or motor coach. Both are comfortable and safe means of transportation with local expert drivers. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

What to do during your free time? For more details or current local events talk to your tour director or your local city guide. They are always the best source for free-time activities and offer great tips on restaurants or local hang-outs.

All

Meals

Traveling on this trip will introduce you to some native cuisine, including local specialties.

Hotels

We stay in superior tourist class hotels, all with private bath/shower in 2-share rooms. Our hotels have been specially selected for their European atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and cleanliness. Our hotels are centrally located or within a short walk of public transportation to take you to the landmark of your choice in the city you are visiting. (Why stay in remote cabins, hostels, or share your room with up to 6 people, when you can stay in a centrally located hotel?)

You'll be given a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. *Single supplement only applies if single accommodations are requested. Independent hotel reservations, special tours and FIT tours always apply a single supplement. Please check your itinerary.

All

ST. GILES HOTEL, London

St. Giles Hotel Central London is centrally located in Bloomsbury near the junction of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, Rooms are well furnished with modern amenities such as TV, hairdryer, voicemail, telephone, safe and radio. WiFi is available at additional cost.

IBIS PARIS ALESIA MONTPARNASSE, Paris

Located in the 14th arr., this contemporary hotel features modern air-conditioned rooms, spacious and comfortable all with private functional bathroom with tub or shower, desk, opening windows, flat-screen TV, a telephone, and Internet Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant which serves classic French cuisine and a bar that is open 24 hours a day, where you can sip a drink or eat a snack. All types of restaurants and bars can be found within walking distance.

BEST WESTERN ZAAN INN, Zaandam

The Zaan Inn Hotel is located just north of Amsterdam near the Zaan River. This well-appointed hotel offers smoke-free rooms with a safe deposit box, cable flat-screen TV, telephone, climate control and en suite bathroom with shower and hairdryer. WiFi is available for a fee.

HOTEL IBIS, Heidelberg

The Ibis Heidelberg Hotel is centrally located near the main train station. Historic attractions and the unique old town are within easy reach. Rooms feature comfortable beds, adjustable air conditioning and 24-hour services.
WIFI is available 24/7 in all rooms at an additional cost, it is free of charge in the hotel lobby and bar area.

HOTEL IBIS MUENCHEN CITY, Munich

A 4-minute walk from München Hauptbahnhof train station, this centrally located hotel in the Maxvorstadt district is also close to Marienplatz square. The modern rooms all have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus custom-designed beds and work desks. There is a 24/7 lounge/bar offering snacks.

DAS URBISGUT, Altenmarkt

The Hotel Urbisgut offers a friendly, personal atmosphere, cordial hospitality and tradition for an unforgettable and charming stay. Enjoy the sunny, quiet location amid lush meadows and snowy mountains. The rooms boast stylish furniture, light-flooded rooms and a cosy ambiance. Enjoy the comfort of a 4-star hotel and let yourself be surprised by the lovingly prepared small details.

HOTEL RESIDENCE ELITE, Mestre, Venice

The Residence is just a few minutes away by bus from Venice. This comfortable hotel in Mestre is set out over six floors and has three lifts, one of which is panoramic. All 85 units in the Hotel Residence Elite have been recently renovated to offer guests a vast range of options. The public rooms are extremely pleasant and welcoming: guests can have breakfast in a large, bright room, relax in the reading room or in the small garden and enjoy a cocktail at the hotel bar.

GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRANEO, Florence

The 4-star Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is situated in an enchanting and peaceful position on the banks of the Arno river, a short distance from the centre of Florence. The hotel features an excellent restaurant offering authentic Tuscan cuisine and an American bar and lounge.

HOTEL ALBANI, Rome

Hotel Albani Roma is a short walk from Villa Borghese Art Gallery and Gardens. It fetures spacious air-conditioned rooms with LCD satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Busses to Termini Train Station and Rome's historic center stop 800 feet from the hotel, while a tram stop with direct links to Rome's main sights is just opposite the property.
All rooms at Albani Roma include a private bathroom with hairdryer, toiletry set and slippers. Breakfast is buffet style, and includes croissants, cold meats and cheeses.

If you purchase your own airfare, book your overnight flight from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date listed above.

* Price per person based on a twin share room. If you're traveling alone, AESU will arrange for you to share a twin at NO EXTRA COST. If you prefer a single room, a single supplement $985 will apply.

AIRFARE

Gateway Cities

Fly into London, return from Rome

Airfare is not included in land price. If you choose to book air with AESU, after receipt of your land booking, AESU will email you a quote with your tour confirmation invoice. You will have 72 hours to accept or decline airfare. (Or call AESU at 800-638-7640 for a quote prior to booking).

Book Airfare with AESU - FREE Airport Transfers

Purchase your airfare from AESU and receive free arrival/departure transfers between the airport to your hotels. We also try to book you on the same flights as others traveling on your tour. Land only participants BOOKING OWN FLIGHT OVERSEAS, DO NOT receive airport arrival/departure transfers. If you book land only with us, book your flights from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date. If you are not booking flights through AESU, we recommend not booking airfare until your tour is guaranteed (This will be noted on website with “guaranteed” next to tour start date).

Click on a date above to get a quote or make a reservation. You can make your $500 deposit ONLINE to confirm your space on the land tour. Full payment isn't due until 90 days before departure, and you or friends and family can make partial payments after you've booked (See NOTE below if within 90 days). Or you can scan/email or fax a booking form.

If you just want a quote and don’t want to secure a spot on the land program, select date above and click “Get a Quote” button on next page.

NOTE: Reservations to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Reservations received after this date are subject to availability and any airfare quote can only be held for 72 hours. Payment in full, for late bookings, will be due upon receipt of invoice from AESU. A late booking fee of $100 per person will apply.

All prices reflect a cash discount (For full payment by credit card, there is a 4% processing fee.) See invoice for payment details. FINAL PAYMENTS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE. SEND CREDIT CARD FORM ON LAST PAGE OF INVOICE FOR ANY CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS AFTER INITIAL DEPOSIT.

PAYMENT PLAN: pay a little at a time and make your trip more affordable.

After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction with no fee. Please indicate booking number on your check payment. If you prefer to pay installments by credit card, please call us at 800-638-7640 for details. (All prices reflect a cash discount. There is a 4% processing fee for any payments made by credit card after initial deposit.) The total tour cost (land, and air if applicable) must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure.

INSURANCE: We highly recommend travel insurance. You can get a quote and purchase online through Trip Assure. See the insurance link on AESU's website under Travel Tools or copy this link into your browser: https://www.tripassure.com/main/?welcome=AESU3922MD

Is This Trip Right for You?

Please Wait

You have chosen to amend the arrival and/or departure date of the selected tour program. As a result, you will need to arrange additional accommodations and/or transfers service which may be done via Gate 1 Travel, where available, or independently.